The Alabama State Parks Dirt Pass Trail Crew program is offering a new incentive for trail users. Dirt Pass members will be admitted free into any gated state park on Dirt Pass Day, the second Saturday of each month, throughout 2017. Members must have their green membership wristband to receive free entry into the parks.
Dirt Pass Trail Crew memberships are available by making a $35 donation at these parks: Cheaha, Chewacla, DeSoto, Frank Jackson, Gulf, Lake Guntersville, Lake Lurleen, Monte Sano, Oak Mountain, and Wind Creek. Membership donations can also be made online at www.alapark.com/dirt-pass. A Dirt Pass wristband and trails gift will be mailed after donating.
The voluntary Dirt Pass Trail Crew Program was introduced in June of 2016 to help fund the revitalization of the state parks trail system. All funds raised through the program will be used to build new trails and maintain existing trails in Alabama’s state parks.
“Since the opening of the first state parks in Alabama, trails have been a fundamental part of the park system’s mission to provide and maintain outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. “Setting aside the second Saturday of each month as Dirt Pass Day will hopefully encourage visitors to engage with the trails, which are some of the best in the southeast.”
As part of the Dirt Pass program Alabama State Parks has conducted several equipment training days with volunteer trail user groups, organized trail work days, surveyed the needs of trail users, purchased new trail building equipment, and is cultivating partnerships with other trail groups interested in improving the state parks trail system.
Alabama State Parks encourages new and experienced trail users to make a Dirt Pass donation and explore its existing 285-plus miles of trails highlighted on the park system’s website at www.alapark.com/trails.
To learn more about the Dirt Pass trails program, call or visit one of the 10 state parks listed above or visit www.alapark.com/dirt-pass. For State Parks contact information, visit https://www.alapark.com/contact.
The Alabama State Parks Division relies on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. To learn more about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark.com.
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